White collar crime myths create common misunderstandings for those accused of violating the law. Television and movies often portray white-collar criminals as serving “easy time” in minimum-security prisons. Although this may be semi-accurate in some cases, white-collar criminals also sometimes receive lengthy prison sentences. Therefore, when it comes to white-collar crime, you must be very careful about where you get your information. In this article, we clear up a few common misconceptions about white-collar crime.
It’s Easy to Get Away with White Collar Crime
One of the most common white collar crime myths is that white-collar crime is easier to get away with than other types of crime. Although this may have been true in the past, it certainly isn’t the case today. In fact, the authorities are more vigilant than ever in combating white collar crime, and technological advances have made the identification and prosecution of white collar crime much easier than it was in the past.
White Collar Criminals Don’t Go to Prison
This myth stems from the discretion previously available to federal judges to impose sentences on those convicted of committing white collar crime. However, changes in the law in the mid-1980s changed this, increasing sentences for white collar crime drastically. In the past, only about 40 percent of white collar crime convictions resulted in prison time. However, this figure is now closer to 70 percent.
White Collar Criminals Serve Easy Time
Another myth is that people convicted of committing white collar offenses serve easy time in minimum-security facilities. This may not be further from the truth. Although some white collar criminals carry out their sentences in minimum-security institutions, there is no guarantee that this will happen. Therefore, anyone who is convicted of a white-collar crime runs the risk of serving time in a maximum-security facility surrounded by hardened criminals.
White Collar Crime is the Same as Robbery
Finally, many people falsely equate white collar crime with robbery. Although both generally involve illegally taking something from someone else, these crimes are otherwise very different. Robbery requires a direct confrontation of a victim, while white collar crime is typically committed at arm’s length. In addition, robbery involves force or the threat of force. White collar crime, on the other hand, is not a violent crime. Although these crimes are very different, they do have one thing in common: both can result in serious prison time.
Contact a White Collar Crime Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a white collar crime, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At Griffin Durham Tanner Clarkson LLC, our attorneys can defend you against multiple types of white collar crime charges. Our experienced white collar crime defense attorneys work across the United States, meaning that we can defend you regardless of where you reside. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.